How Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie Rescued New Zealand in a T20 World Cup Thriller

New Zealand's Dramatic Comeback in T20 World Cup

Colombo: In a thrilling T20 World Cup Super Eights match, Maheesh Theekshana's exceptional bowling initially put New Zealand in a precarious position. However, captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie orchestrated a remarkable recovery, guiding their team to a total of 168 for 7.

New Zealand faced a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets for just nine runs between the 10th and 13th overs, as Theekshana wreaked havoc. Nevertheless, McConchie spearheaded the resurgence, while Santner played a pivotal role in a crucial seventh-wicket partnership that yielded 84 runs off only 47 balls.

Santner's explosive innings included four sixes and two fours in a quickfire 47 runs off 26 balls, falling only on the last ball of the innings. McConchie remained not out at 31 from 23 balls, contributing significantly to the team's recovery.

At one point, New Zealand was struggling at 98 for 6 after 16 overs, but McConchie turned the tide by hitting Dushmantha Chameera for two sixes and a four in an 18-run over.

Santner then targeted Sri Lanka's top bowler, Theekshana, scoring a four and two sixes in the 18th over, which added 21 runs and shifted the momentum back to New Zealand.

The duo's late surge resulted in New Zealand amassing 70 runs in the final four overs, taking advantage of Sri Lanka's faltering bowling and declining intensity.

However, the match had a different narrative at the halfway mark. On a dry Khettarama pitch, Theekshana (3 for 30) and Chameera (3 for 38) combined to claim six wickets, stifling New Zealand after Sri Lanka opted to bowl first in this crucial encounter.

With England already securing a spot in the semifinals from Group 2, the competition for the remaining spot is fierce among New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand started strong, racing to 73 for 2 after just nine overs, with Finn Allen scoring 23 off 13 balls and Rachin Ravindra contributing 32 off 22 balls.

Theekshana then skillfully slowed down the scoring, using variations in pace and angle to dismiss Allen during the powerplay and later taking out Ravindra with a well-flighted delivery.

In a remarkable three-ball sequence, he bowled Mark Chapman for a duck with a cleverly disguised delivery that spun past the left-hander's defense. Chameera supported him effectively, dismissing Tim Seifert (8) and Glenn Phillips (18), while Wellalage took out Daryl Mitchell (3).